Herpes Virus

Cold sores are uncomfortable fluid filled blisters that appear most commonly on or around the mouth. Cold sores are caused by the contagious herpes simplex virus. Most people actually catch this virus as a child, but don't experience the symptoms until after puberty. Others can catch it through kissing, oral sex or by sharing a razor or toothbrush with someone who has the virus.

Most adult sufferers will experience the symptoms a few weeks after infection. The symptoms, if untreated, can last for up to two weeks before healing entirely. People will experience the virus differently; some may only experience symptoms once or twice a year whereas others may experience numerous outbreaks every year. However, treating cold sores with Famvir could assist in alleviating and fighting the symptoms.

Shingles is an uncomfortable rash which is caused by the herpes zoster virus; the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox is alleviated, virus cells can become dormant within the body's nerve cells. For unknown reasons, the virus can be reactivated years later, producing the shingles rash on parts of the body.

Not everyone who caught chickenpox will experience shingles, and what causes it in certain people in later life is not really understood. Some sufferers may experience only a mild rash, while others can experience feverish symptoms, headaches and general malaise. Itching and feelings of pins and needles can occur on the body sometimes for weeks before a rash actually breaks out and nerve pain can continue for a while after the rash has disappeared.

Unlike other forms of herpes, shingles is not contagious and Valtrex is a popular treatment for dealing with the condition. However, if you've never suffered from chickenpox, you could catch this virus from someone with active shingles symptoms.

Genital herpes is a highly infectious sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex strain. Genital herpes takes the form of uncomfortable and painful red sores, water blisters and ulcers that lie on and around the genitals, buttocks, thighs or anal opening. It is passed on through touch or contact with any active area, although in some cases these symptoms are not always visible.

The symptoms of genital herpes do not always appear right away. It's estimated that as many as 80% of people carrying the virus don't know that they have it and it may be years before they experience the symptoms. Others may be less lucky and will experience the symptoms soon after infection, with outbreaks occurring regularly during the first year of contracting the virus.

Most people will be advised to use antiviral medications. There are three popular prescription medications for herpes: Aciclovir, Valtrex and Famvir. They can all be used to treat genital herpes, cold sores and shingles but the required dosage is different for each condition. These tablets are taken orally to help to reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of the herpes virus. These medications are often recommended for primary outbreaks.

Some people may find that over the counter medications such as ibuprofen are sufficient to relieve the feverish symptoms of the virus. In the case of genital herpes, it is advisable to wear cotton underwear to help the healing process of the sores. In some cases, the antiviral medications mentioned above can be used as a form of ongoing treatment to prevent regular outbreaks. It is important to note that there is currently no cure for the herpes virus, and any treatments or medications are intended to treat individual outbreaks and not to cure the virus that causes them.